Petit Jean State Park RV & Campground Guide
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Petit Jean State Park is a sprawling and stunning park located in Arkansas River Valley in central Arkansas. The park is named after Petit Jean, a young 18th century French woman whose resting place is within the park. Covering 3,471-acres, it sits atop Petit Jean Mountain adjacent to the Arkansas River in the area between the Ouachita Mountains and Ozark Plateaus. Here, you’ll find impressive canyons and bluffs, as well as a 95-foot waterfall and the 100-acre Lake Bailey.
The park is home to several geological and archaeological features such as Bear Cave, Rock House Cave, the Grotto, Turtle Rocks, Carpet Rocks, and Natural Bridge. Petit Jean State Park has a fairly moderate climate, with temperatures reaching highs of 91°F in summer and lows of 26°F in the heart of winter. Visitors are advised to pack extra layers of clothing to prepare for any type of weather that might come their way.
If you’re planning a trip to the state park, you’ll want to keep reading to find out everything about camping, on-site and off-site activities, how to get here, and more.
Spring 38°F - 79°F
Summer 64°F - 91°F
Fall 37°F - 84°F
Winter 26°F - 54°F
RV Resorts & Campsites in Petit Jean State Park
If you’re thinking about staying in or near Petit Jean State Park, why not do so in an RV? Unlike tents, RVs provide you with a soft, comfortable bed, as well as your own private bathroom and fully-stocked kitchen. If you don’t own an RV, you can rent an RV fromRVshare.com to suit your budget or needs. All rentals come with nationwide insurance, 24/7 roadside assistance, and a world-class team dedicated to helping you succeed.
The good news is Petit Jean State Park has its owncampground on-site, featuring 125 sites that are perfect for both tent or RV camping. Each one has full hookups, while there are also modern bathhouses with hot showers and flush toilets within the grounds. These sites are reservable, however they usually fill-up quickly. To prevent disappointment, we’ve also listed some other RV-friendly campgrounds within close proximity to the park.
Toad Suck Park
Located along the Arkansas River isToad Suck Park, just over 30 miles from the state park. It boasts river views, as well as 48 sites with electric and water hookups. The fishing here is excellent year-round, as you’ll find an abundance of bream, crappie, white bass, largemouth bass and several species of catfish. Rates start at $18 per night.
Water hookup: yes
Electrical hookup: yes
Sewer hookup: yes
Wifi: N/A
Pet-friendly: yes
Other amenities: picnic shelters, hot showers, playground, boat ramp, sports courts, dump station, fire pits.
Lake Dardanelle State Park Campground
Lake Dardanelle is another state park located just over 25 miles from Petit Jean. There are also plenty of RV-accessible camp sites here, including 74 sites with hookups and other useful amenities. Lake Dardanelle is a sprawling 34,300-acre reservoir on the Arkansas River. It’s surrounded by plenty of natural beauty, making it a rewarding stay at any time of the year. Rates range from $19 - $33 per night.
Water hookup: yes
Electrical hookup: yes
Sewer hookup: yes
Wifi: N/A
Pet-friendly: yes
Other amenities: visitor center, picnic area, boat ramp, bath house, pier, playground, dump station, fire rings, laundry, gift shop.
Ivy's Cove RV Retreat
Ivy's Cove RV Retreat is a family-owned and operated RV park just 29 miles from the Petit Jean State Park and is conveniently located in Russellville, Arkansas. It’s open year-round and features plenty of sites with full hookups and free WiFi. Rates are $42 per night.
Water hookup: yes
Electrical hookup: yes
Sewer hookup: yes
Wifi: yes
Pet-friendly: yes
Other amenities: cable TV, on-site RV repair, laundry, general store, showers, restrooms.
What to Do at
Petit Jean State Park
Inside Petit Jean State Park
Petit Jean State Park might be very popular for camping, but people also flock here because of the wide range of fun outdoor activities on offer. Whether you’re hoping to enjoy hiking the park’s scenic trails, swimming, boating, or more – there’s something for every type of traveler at Petit Jean State Park.
Swimming : There are two swimming pools in the park, each open during the summer months from Memorial Day weekend through to Labor Day weekend. The pool located near the picnic area is open for the public, while the one located on the bluff behind Mather Lodge is for cabin and lodge guests only. It costs $1.50 - $4 per person to swim.
Hiking : There are more than 20 miles ofhiking trails in Arkansas that will lead you through Petit Jean's natural and historic resources. The park is also home to the Cedar Falls Overlook, giving you stunning views of one of the most photographed waterfalls in Arkansas.
Events : The state park offers multiple events each year, including everything from guided hikes and lake tours, to living history demonstrations, historic site tours, outdoor skills workshops, and so much more. See the events calendarhere.
Boating : From the on-site boathouse, you can rent pedal boats, water bikes, or flat-bottom boats with and without a motor to explore the vast Lake Bailey. Rates start from $5 per hour.
Fishing : The 100-acre Lake Bailey provides guests with excellent fishing opportunities. You can fish from rentable boats, canoes, or kayaks, or bring your own vessel. You can also enjoy fishing from the shore or from the barrier-free fishing pier that provides easy access to the lake.
How to Get to
Petit Jean State Park
From Morrilton, travel 9 miles south on Ark. Hwy 9, then go 12 miles west on Ark. Hwy 154. From Russellville, travel 10 miles south on Ark. Scenic Hwy 7 to Centerville, then go 16 miles east on Ark. Hwy 154.
Entering Petit Jean State Park
There are no fees to enter Petit Jean State Park or explore the area. Fees only apply to additional activities such as camping and hiring water vessels.
We’re very excited that you’re planning a trip to Petit Jean State Park. Once you’ve finished exploring all that the park has to offer, there are also some incredible opportunities waiting for you outside of its gates! During or after your stay, we encourage you to tag us in any of your social media posts, or why not share your photos and experience with us at [email protected]? We may even feature your story on our blog or social media channels. Happy camping!
Frequently Asked Questions About Petit Jean State Park
The best times of year to visit Petit Jean State Park are fall and spring. The leaves change color, and the weather is cool and comfortable in fall. Spring brings the waterfall and an array of blooming flowers.
The climate of the park is mild with average temperatures ranging from 50 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit. The park gets an average of 43 inches of rain per year. Summertime highs are around 91 degrees.
Petit Jean State Park has 125 campsites, of which 35 have hookups for 50-amp electrical, water, and sewer. There are 90 sites for Class B RVs with 20-amp electrical hookups. Restrooms and bathhouses are available for all campsites.
Yes. You can reserve campsites at Petit Jean State Park online or by phone. The average reservations start at about $36. Rates vary based on your party size, RV size, and number of days you plan to stay.
Animals you can see in this park include deer, squirrels, chipmunks, rabbits, opossums, skunks, bats, and snakes. You can also see birds such as the Carolina wren, tufted titmouse, pine siskin, and the northern cardinal.
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